Ferghana-Valley Discussion List

The FERGHANA-VALLEY discussion list is meant to serve as a tool for
addressing development issues in the Ferghana Valley. The discussion list
is associated with the United Nations Ferghana Valley Development
Programme, though it is open to all who are interested in the welfare of
the Valley.

The FERGHANA-VALLEY discussion list is an innovation in participatory
development. Participatory development is an approach to addressing the
economic and social issues of a country or region which looks to the
general population as those who are best able to assess their own needs and
are in the best position to play an active role in carrying out the
development initiatives which affect their own well-being. For effective
participatory development, it is important to take in the views and
experience of a wide population, and to maintain strong links with this
population so that they can participate actively in the implementation of
development initiatives. Typical approaches to participatory development
include workshops, focus group discussions, and town meetings; this
discussion list is meant to carry this approach into a new realm of the
electronic media to reach participants in several countries, and to involve
them actively in a new way. This discussion list is aimed at a)
establishing a channel to receive input from the broadest possible
constituency of those concerned about the Ferghana Valley, and b) fostering
the network of links to those who can usefully participate in the
development of the region.

The Ferghana Valley is a region of promise and challenges. It holds the
largest concentration of population in all of Central Asia. It has a rich
environment for agriculture and has relatively well developed industry, as
well as a millennia-long history of trade connecting it via the Silk Road
to far-flung Europe and Asia.

At the same time, the Valley faces particular challenges. It has a
population of rich ethnic diversity, that has occasionally experienced
ethnic conflicts. Its territory is divided between three countries --
Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan -- and the boundaries are complexly
intertwined, often cross-cutting transportation corridors, populated
points, and economic resources. As much of the former Soviet Union, the
region experienced difficult economic times following the break-up of the
Union. A legacy of environmental problems and other difficulties remains,
including crucial issues of the educational, cultural and social
development of these newly independent countries.

The United Nations' Ferghana Valley Development Programme is working to
address the development issues facing the Valley in a variety of sectors
ranging from economic development, education and environment protection.
In the period from August 1998 to July 1999 it is in the preparatory phase
which will lead to the design and implementation of the full Programme
during subsequent years. More information about the Programme may be
obtained by writing to us at or visiting our website
(available soon).

The FERGHANA-VALLEY discussion list is dedicated to all topics of
discussion which can help to elucidate the problems of the region and to
further their resolution. It is also intended to provide a forum for
building the linkages between stake-holders, local NGOs, local governments,
business, scholars, and international organizations which are crucial for
effective pursuit of development initiatives.

Participants whom we would encourage to join the discussion include anyone
who has knowledge of the Ferghana Valley and who is prepared to contribute
to a constructive discussion. These may include students, aid workers,
scholars, NGO representatives, government representatives, and so on.

The discussion on the FERGHANA-VALLEY list is moderated, meaning that your
contributions will go through a "filter" before distribution to all members
of the list. This is to ensure that all discussion is serious and
respectful, and contributes constructively toward to the goal of bettering
conditions in the Valley. The moderator will restrict postings only when
it is necessary toward further these goals. As you write to the list,
consider yourself to be in a public forum where all participants deserve
the respect that you will show by framing your thoughts carefully and
constructively.

Discussion on the FERGHANA-VALLEY list is in Russian and in English as the
linguistic complexity of the region makes it impossible to expect that all
participants will be able to manage in other languages of the Valley. If
you write in Russian, we recommend using Latin transcription, as many list
members may lack the technical capacity to read texts in Cyrillic.

New members wishing to join the FERGHANA-VALLEY discussion list may write
to us , or may simply send a message to
with the text "SUBSCRIBE".